Actor-turned-politician C Joseph Vijay paid tribute to Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) founder V Prabhakaran on his death anniversary, triggering political discussion and reactions online.
In a post shared on X on May 18, Vijay referred to Mullivaikkal in Sri Lanka, where Prabhakaran was killed by the Sri Lankan Army in 2009 during the final phase of the civil war.
Vijay expresses solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils
“We will carry the memories of Mullivaikkal in our hearts! We will always stand in solidarity for the rights of our Tamil kin living across the sea!” Vijay wrote on social media.
The statement was made on the occasion of Mullivaikkal Remembrance Day, observed by sections of Tamils across the world to remember civilians killed during the final stages of the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Mullivaikkal remembrance observed globally
May 18 is observed by many Sri Lankan Tamils as Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, commemorating the deaths, disappearances, and suffering of Tamil civilians during the military offensive in the coastal village of Mullivaikkal in 2009.
The final phase of the conflict marked the end of the decades-long Sri Lankan Civil War between the Sri Lankan government and the LTTE.
LTTE remains banned in India
The LTTE continues to remain a banned organisation in India due to its involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991.
Prabhakaran was named the main accused in the assassination case investigated by Indian authorities.
Vijay’s remarks have since generated debate on social media, with supporters describing the statement as solidarity with Sri Lankan Tamils, while critics pointed to the LTTE’s controversial legacy and banned status in India